By: Karen Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I like to think of my sound as tip toeing between several genres while keeping songwriting at the forefront.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I’m a big fan of the War on Drugs, Ruston Kelly, Jason Melina, John Moreland, Kathleen Edwards, Bruce Springsteen, American Football and Wilco to name a few. But honestly, I listen to music incessantly and am always finding new stuff.
Q) As an admirer of Jarrad K, how did he help shape the music you make these days?
A) Jarrad and my live band were an essential force in bringing this tune to life. Jarrad was expertly aware of when to speak up and when to let the band cook on an idea. He knew that most often we needed to play through the form a few times and find our footing rather than be directed quickly to parts that may not have felt as comfortable. I love how natural this song feels as it rolls out.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Vending Machines.”
A) The song is mostly one of liminal spaces and change, wondering what’s ahead while looking at where you’ve been. I found myself handling a big breakup amid a substantially busy touring career that wasn’t exactly making bank, feeling lost and ashamed. It’s about not wanting to worry the ones we love, dressing up the grind as something pretty. Ultimately, I think of Vending Machines as a song about choices – accepting the snack that falls when we push the button. I love my job and can accept the difficult things that come along with being on the road, but it does create a lonely atmosphere a lot of the time.
Q) I love the acoustic guitar and pedal steel aspect to the song. What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) The songs parts equally tell a revolving and liminal story which I love. The acoustic guitar purposefully anchors it with a rhythmic, never ending feel, alongside the pedal steel riff that feels like a revolving door. We found a great way to tell the story with the music – I love when that happens.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) Absolutely. The director, Laura LaFrance, totally understood the idea I had for shooting a series of three to four frames over and over in different locations. It gives the viewer the feeling of never really knowing where or what time of day the traveler is, perfectly conveying the song’s message.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It varies pretty widely. Sometimes it’s one way, sometimes another. I would say that I usually have a strong melody to kick things off.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) It varies here, as well. Generally, I have ideas and preferences, but I rely on production and the band in studio to collaborate on those ideas with me to help fully form the songs.
Q) With the success of “Vending Machines,” are there plans for a full album or EP to come soon?
A) Absolutely. More on that soon!
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I love to perform anywhere that wants to listen, honestly. We have a very mutable live show – in a duo format we do an exceptional job of pulling people in for listening audiences and the full band has a huge range of sound and dynamic for larger spaces where folks want to cut loose.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Ruston Kelly, Ken Yates, Medium Build and Charlotte Cornfield all come to mind.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Ken Yates’ new album Total Cinema is a masterclass in songwriting and simple but effective production. This guy is destined for huge stuff and has the chops to hold his own in any room, truly one of the best albums I’ve heard in a while.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I always hope people hear the effort, attention to detail and genuine care for my craft in the songs. Whether or not people like the style or approach is not my concern, but it’s the writing and delivery I hope folks can hear and take something from.